We had storms this afternoon but all is well thanks to the new warning system which bumped us off the DVR of the Nationals game to warn us of the impending storm. Yep that's right, the TV started peeping and squawking just like the old emergency warning system but the DVR was on. The new system just turned off the DVR and sent a timely warning via the TV. I don't know which to be more annoyed with, 1) the fact that someone somewhere can control my TV at the flip of a button or 2) that the new system turned off the DVR when it took over the TV causing us to lose the last 4 innings of the Nats game. I think I'll go with welcoming the timely warning as I had the bee hive equipment all over the yard and needed to get it secured before the storm hit. Over all the warning system worked well although we only got an hour of rain and a 2.5 hour rain delay at the bottom of the 9th in a 1 run game. There were no tornados spotted or exceptionally strong winds although they did evacuate the open seats at the ball stadium.

Even though, there are signs of fall everywhere, there still isn't much going on yet. That won't last so I'd better get busy with my fall yard work. Having failed to get grass to grow in my back yard I'm going to try sod this fall. It's my last great hope. I don't have much area to do but there is still a lot of prep work. I'll get started this week, take care, Lisa

I bought a 50 foot roll of that copper-nickle brake line a year or so ago & did all the lines on my Van. It sure pays to make a few phone calls. I can't remember the exact cost, but some places were almost double the cost! I'm thinking I paid about a buck a foot but some places were much more. The stuff I got was fairly stiff. My buddy Joe had some that looked a bit more copper-ish and his you could bend with your fingers.

We ended up going north to help a friend finish a roof job. On the way back we took the scenic route and stopped in on some old friends we hadn't seen in years. They live with no electricity or phone. Good people & nice to see them. I was all excited to see a power line go the last half mile down their dirt road. I thought they somehow got power, but, no. It stops 50 feet from them & they are not allowed to hook up to it. A long story that seems just crazy. A "millionaire" from out of state had it installed a few years ago. Come to find out they put poles on land that does not belong to them so the whole line is not legal, yet, some judge allowed it to stay as "it's in the right of way and it's for the public good." BUT... the whole road is private so no one can use the line for 20 years!? What kind of madness is that? My friend says "Hey, in 17 or 18 years we'll be all set". He's over 70 now, so I'm guessing they'll have electric lights so the mortician can see to carry him out.

Good morning again all, just a quick cup & then the wife & I are off to our Sunday morning breakfast gathering. Your right gaw it is unusal for freetown to not be checking in, maybe he found someone more interesting. My neighbors claim adjuster took all the pictures of what was a barn so I'll probably spend my time over there helping sort out the mess. Hope everyone has a good safe day.

This Just In:.......Through the use of the Mars Rover,An Ouija Board,A Spirit Medium and an Old Gypsy Woman who has nothing left to lose,I have broken through and made Personal Voice Contact with the Evervescent And Notorius FreeTown Fred ! He is fine(Physically,at least...Mental Status unknown,but most likely dwindling).....It seems that having taken the apron strings from Freddy for a couple of weekends caused him to soften and think of Family that he hasn't seen in a while ! He claims that he'll be back on line after 1730-1800 hrs today and will totally rekindle that warm and fuzzy feeling that only he can have with all of you !.......Jesus,...It's getting deep in here....I may need a moist towlette after this one......Ham..

Fred always finds his way back here. He's Native American, you know - it's all instinct - no compass needed!

Sounds like your ol' man has some good insurance Rob. That's a good thing. My ol' man has been battling this eye thing for about a year now. They finally got around to his cataract surgery a couple weeks ago. Guess it's finally better ... but nothing like taking your sweet ass time! My neighbor has been in a wheelchair for the entire summer now because they can't figure out why he can't operate his leg. I called my Dr. to refill medication ... and got roped into a bunch of tests. Did this pulmonary function test that seemed to do more harm than good. Asthma has been worse ever since! Last time I go do that crap again. My buddy that had that gastric bypass surgery is finally over his 8 month nightmare that nearly killed him. So, with your ol' man getting his heart tuned up, I'm glad to hear some good news on the medical front for a change!!

Made lots of progress on the Focus yesterday despite the 30 mph wind gusts that flung gaskets everywhere, & scattered leaves about the engine compartment. Got started early enough that the monsoon that hit around 14:00 didn't matter. Called it a day early. Around 20:00 is when the front hit. Blasting wind & torrential downpours, but didn't last long. My part of the state seems to have a rain barrier around it. Everyone else is getting flooded out, and we've barely got a drop. No matter - my well is endless. On a good wet spot right there.

Weather sucks today - feels like fall. Depressing. That front brought in some real COOL air. Was in the mid 50's this morning. Yesterday the A/C was cranked all day long just to keep the humidity in the house below 60%. Looks like I'll be workin' out there in a sweatshirt today. Bye bye summer ...

Well I'm late for coffee,but that bottom of the pot works real well. After spending 4 days with my 81 yr old fanatical, libber Godmother, and, wait for it---------------------keeping my mouth shut, I came to realize that closed mindedness is a real detrimental path to walk--OK--enough said. Good week-end all & all, spending time with the woman that basically raised me that I love with all my heart. She is from Sebastian, Fla. & used to running constantly & spending time with her same aged friends on a daily basis. After turning her onto all the highlights that Freetown has to offer which took approx. 10 minutes (inclusive of getting ready) I realized that I would just have to be me--KINDA I had a real good visit with her & she confirmed that she HATES the country, hates critters & misses watching political shows on tv 24/7-they actually have that???-my antenna 12 channels were rather lacking compared to her 500 channel com-cast set-up. Anyhowwww, I'm whupped & in hopes that no-one else ever visits me, I bid you a-do